Wampanoag tribe to announce plans for Taunton casino today

The poker tables aren’t in place yet, but representatives of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian tribe will be in Taunton Wednesday morning to announce their intention of building a resort casino in the Silver City.

Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye late Tuesday night confirmed that he’ll hold a 10 a.m. press conference at City Hall’s temporary site at the former Maxham School on Oak Street.

The poker tables aren’t in place yet, but representatives of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian tribe will be in Taunton Wednesday morning to announce their intention of building a resort casino in the Silver City.

Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye late Tuesday night confirmed that he’ll hold a 10 a.m. press conference at City Hall’s temporary site at the former Maxham School on Oak Street.

Hoye said representatives of the tribe will confirm what was reported just over two weeks ago — that the Mashpee Wampanoags are prepared to invest in a full-blown casino in Taunton.

“There’s no agreement yet, it’s a long process,” said Hoye. “But they’re interested.”

Hoye said the city has begun the process of negotiating terms with the tribe, including host-community profits and overall scope of investment.

The mayor would not speculate about previous reports that the casino will be built within the Liberty & Union Industrial Park located in East Taunton near Route 140 and Route 24.

He also stressed that voters will have the final say in a city-wide referendum vote.

“It’s vitally important,” Hoye said of residents voicing their opinion.

Hoye has previously said that if a casino is to be built in Taunton it could produce as many as 4,000 jobs, including construction and permanent positions.

The tribe must also negotiate with the state. It has exclusive rights until July 31 to reach an agreement. Previous tribal efforts to build a casino in Middleborough and Fall River fell through.

For coverage of the press conference, be sure to check out Thursday’s edition of the Gazette — and follow the story as it breaks on TauntonGazette.com.